November 30, 2014 – President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of Nigeria said he has received with much sadness, news of the death of former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, yesterday in South Africa.
In a statement, Special Adviser to the President on Media, Dr. Ruben Abati said Jonathan extends sincerest condolences to Ambassador Ashiru’s wife, children, other relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and staff of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs as they mourn the exemplary diplomat who gave the most productive years of his adult life to the patriotic service of his nation.
The President assures them all of the fullest sympathy, solidarity and support of the Federal Government as they mourn Ambassador Ashiru who will also be long remembered and honoured as one of the very elite few, who after a long and very distinguished career as a Foreign Service Officer in the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was recalled from retirement to serve as Minister and political head of the same ministry in recognition of his widely acknowledged leadership qualities and diplomatic skills.
Nigeria, President Jonathan believes, will always owe the late Minister a huge debt of gratitude for his notable contributions, over many years, to the establishment of mutually-beneficial relationships with other countries where he served as diplomat and ambassador, and for the country’s many diplomatic successes in the international arena during his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The President prays that God Almighty will comfort all who mourn Ambassador Ashiru and grant his gentle soul peaceful and eternal rest.
